The holiday season is finally here. Some call it the most beautiful season of all. That’s because we associate it with family traditions and gathering with friends and loved ones. It’s a time of giving and spreading joy, reminding us of the good things we have right here in our community. It’s essential to spread the blessings as far as possible, especially to the most vulnerable in the Upper Cumberland area.

We’re also reminded of how wonderful our community is and what a significant impact we can have when we work together.

When you are a member of Upper Cumberland EMC, you help us spread the good throughout the year. Through our Project Help program, your donations help local families and individuals in need by providing financial assistance with their energy bills.

When you opt-in to “round up” your monthly bill for UCEMC Cares, Inc. and donate pennies – small change to this fund, you’re making a big difference in someone’s life. You’re helping to meet a need in the community, for example, by providing equipment to volunteer fire departments, food for children’s backpack programs, and life-saving defibrillators for shopping centers and local businesses.  

Our community-focused programs, food donations, and other giving projects have helped build community parks, supported local schools and young people, fed hungry families, enabled families in need to keep the lights on, and so much more.

UCEMC also participates in the Washington Youth Tour, where we take our community’s brightest young people to Washington, D.C., for a week-long immersion to experience democracy in action. Ultimately, the larger community benefits from these programs because of you and your neighbors.

The cooperative principle of “concern for community” is part of Upper Cumberland EMC’s DNA, defining who we are as an organization. When we brought electricity to this community in 1938, the quality of life improved. But other things also need to be addressed. Through the years, this co-op has been at the forefront of improving this community’s quality of life. It’s why we created UCEMC Cares, Inc.

With your help, we’ve given more than $1.7 million back to local families and individuals through this program. Across the country, more than 350 electric co-ops have a similar Operation Round Up program, and we’ve raised millions for local communities. Over time, small donations from electric co-ops like ours can significantly impact lives.

As a local cooperative, we have a stake in this community. We hope you will consider UCEMC your energy provider and catalyst for good in our community.

We hope all our members have a joyous holiday season. May it be merry and bright!